Dr. Jonathan J. Halvorson, Research Soil Scientist, recently joined the staff of the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory. Previously, he was stationed at the USDA-ARS Appalachian Farming Systems Research Center in Beaver, West Virginia. His research there centered on the impact of plant-derived chemicals on soil function, especially the use of tannins to manage soil organic matter and nutrient cycling. He is a recognized authority on spatial statistics and legume effects on soil organic matter accumulation in highly disturbed early successional sites. He recently participated in studies of temperate bamboo for forage and biofuel. Halvorson holds bachelor's degrees in Soil & Water Science and Horticulture from the University of Arizona, a M.S. in Environmental Science and a Ph.D. in Botany, both from Washington State University.

Soil provides the foundation for productive crop and forage systems that support livestock.